IITA expands research investment in Africa

From EMEKA OKONKWOABUJA, (CAJ News) – THE International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has opened a research station in Nigeria as part of commemorations of its 50th anniversary.
The 205-hectare research facility opened in the southwestern Osun State is
poised to boost agricultural production and support the economic diversification of the West African country.
The establishment of the research centre comes two years after a memorandum of understanding signed with the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Aregbesola commended IITA for its efforts in the last 50 years, adding the research facility would advance research in Osun with a spinoff effect on other parts of the country.
“We believe that this research facility will train and empower our youth in modern agriculture,” he said.
The Director General of IITA, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, said the research facility was part of the institute’s mission to take research closer to the people.
“Our plan is to make this station a one-stop shop where farmers’ needs will be addressed,” he said.
Established in 1967, IITA is an international agricultural research institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty and natural resource degradation.
The Institute operates 13 research stations/hubs across sub-Saharan Africa.
– CAJ News